The Hidden Struggles of Food Accessibility in the Bow Valley

When most people think of the Bow Valley, they imagine towering peaks, world-class skiing, and breathtaking hikes. But behind the postcard views lies a quieter challenge: food accessibility.

Why Food Is Harder to Access Here

• High Costs: Groceries in Banff and Canmore are consistently more expensive than in bigger cities. Transport costs, limited suppliers, and tourism demand all drive prices up.

• Limited Options: While there are grocery stores, selection can be limited — especially for fresh, affordable produce.

• Seasonal Workers & Families: Many residents juggle multiple jobs, high rent, and long hours, leaving little time or energy to cook from scratch.

  
  

What Food Insecurity Looks Like

Food insecurity isn’t just about hunger. It’s also about:

• Choosing between groceries and rent.

• Relying on cheap, low-nutrition food to get by.

• Feeling isolated when food traditions or preferences can’t be met due to cost or availability.

Local Solutions Making a Difference

Thankfully, the Bow Valley has an inspiring community spirit:

• Food Banks & Meal Programs provide emergency support.

• Community Kitchens

  & Cafés (like Oesa Arts Café) create inclusive spaces where food brings people together.

• Rocky Mountain Meal exists to offer affordable, ready-to-enjoy meals so residents can save money, time, and still eat nutritiously.

Moving Forward Together

Food accessibility is a community issue — and the more we talk about it, the more we can work together on solutions. At Rocky Mountain Meal, we’re proud to be one small part of that bigger effort.

If you’ve struggled with food access in the Bow Valley, or know of a local initiative worth highlighting, we’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out to us directly — let’s keep this conversation going.

With Joy,

Rocky Mountain Meal Team